Why pounds are strict about who can collect a seized vehicle

Police and council pounds follow set procedures designed to stop unauthorised people removing vehicles. Even where a third party is allowed to collect a car on someone’s behalf, the pound must be sure the original keeper has genuinely agreed to it. That means strict identification checks, clear documentation and, in many areas, verbal confirmation from the keeper on the day. Third-party collection is possible, but it is tightly controlled and never guaranteed.

The keeper normally needs to attend in person

The default expectation is simple: the registered keeper attends the pound with identification, proof of keepership and valid insurance. This gives pound staff a straightforward, verifiable route to release the vehicle. Third-party collection introduces risks, so pounds only allow it when their checks are satisfied and local policy permits it.

Some pounds do not allow third-party collection at all unless the keeper is medically unable to attend or there is another exceptional reason. Others allow it more readily but still insist on a step-by-step verification process. Contacting the pound before arranging anything is always sensible, because procedures differ between authorities.

When someone else can collect the vehicle

A third party can usually collect an impounded car when the following conditions are met:

• the keeper provides written authority naming the person collecting the vehicle
• the keeper can be contacted by phone while the collector is at the counter
• the collector brings suitable identification
• the correct documents are provided, including proof of keepership and the seizure notice
• all impound charges are paid

Pounds do not accept vague authority letters. The document must clearly name the collector, provide the keeper’s full details and state that the keeper authorises release of the vehicle to that person. Pound staff may compare signatures against the V5C or any other documents the keeper provides.

The identification and documents the collector must bring

A person collecting a car on your behalf normally needs:

• Photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence
• The original seizure notice (if available)
• The V5C logbook or valid new keeper slip
• Your written, signed authority naming them as the authorised collector
• A phone number where the pound can reach you immediately
• Payment for removal and storage charges

These rules apply even if the collector is a close relative. Family relationship alone is not enough. Pounds treat all authorised collectors the same and expect full paperwork before release.

Insurance requirements when someone else is driving the car away

If the collector intends to drive the car away, they must bring their own insurance certificate that covers them to drive that specific vehicle. Most pounds will not accept a policy that begins later the same day or one that lacks clear wording for road use. If the collector is not insured on the car, road release will be refused and a specialist vehicle recovery company will be required instead.

If the car is damaged, unroadworthy or has dangerous defects, the pound may insist on recovery regardless of insurance. A recovery operator uses their own transporter and insurance, so the collector does not need driving cover for that option.

If the keeper cannot attend for health or legal reasons

Pounds can make adjustments for keepers who cannot attend due to illness, disability or other significant barriers. In these cases, the pound may accept documentary evidence and rely on a third-party collector. They may still insist on speaking to the keeper by phone to confirm the arrangement. The collector must bring all documents and identification exactly as required.

If the keeper is out of the country, some pounds allow collection via an authorised representative as long as the paperwork is clear and the keeper can be reached by phone. Others may request additional evidence, such as proof of travel or official identification from the absent keeper.

When third-party collection is refused

A pound may refuse to release a car to someone else if:

• the keeper cannot be reached to confirm the authority
• the paperwork is incomplete or inconsistent
• there is a dispute over ownership or keeper details
• the pound’s local policy prohibits third-party collection
• the car is held as evidence and cannot yet be released

If third-party collection is refused, the keeper will need to attend in person or arrange a recovery company that the pound is prepared to release the vehicle to. Recovery companies can collect vehicles without being insured to drive them, so this sometimes offers a practical alternative.

A practical way to approach the situation

Someone else can collect your impounded car, but only if the pound’s rules are followed carefully. Clear authority, matching documents and immediate telephone confirmation are the key elements. If the vehicle is roadworthy and the authorised person is correctly insured, they can drive it away. If not, arranging a specialist recovery company often provides the simplest route.

Impound processes, time limits and costs vary widely across the UK, and authorities can amend their rules at any time. Information on this site is intended as a general overview and should not be relied on as definitive for any specific impound location.

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